Caution for patients using more than a single insulin product

Patients with diabetes who require insulin and who use more than a single insulin product should consider not storing the vials inside their original cardboard cartons after the packages have been opened. If the vials are accidentally returned to the wrong carton after being used, that sets the stage for a serious insulin mix-up, a medical emergency waiting to happen.

We've had reports of people looking for a particular insulin product and reading the label on the carton, not the vial itself, assuming that it accurately reflects what's inside. They then ended up administering the wrong product.

We believe that it might be best if the cartons were discarded once they are opened. If there is a pharmacy label on the outside carton, remember to save it in case it is needed later, for example, when refilling your prescription.